Some of you will have planned your retirement here well ahead of the time you actually set foot on Philippines soil. Some may arrive here on a whim. I understand that, as I would say I tend toward impulsiveness. However even I researched retirement to the Philippines fairly extensively before I booked the flight and said goodbye to the UK once and for all. One of the sources … [Read more...]

Four years ago, when we first moved to the city from the farm, that was the burning question. Who let the dogs out? It was about 10pm one evening when we returned home from Chicken Alley, listening to live bands, when we noticed our front gate was open. Our 2 dogs were missing. One dog was a Doberman and the other was a Gamboa, which is mixed St Bernard.
We went immediately … [Read more...]

One of my favorite foods of all time is battered and deep fried catfish. Served with enriched hominy grits, deep fried hush puppies and Cole slaw, it just doesn't get any better than that on my dinner plate! We can get all the ingredients needed in Bacolod City to prepare my favorite, complete with the side dishes. My wife has long been opposed to preparing catfish in the … [Read more...]

I have told you before that 1 hectare of land in the Philippines can feed a family of 4 for the entire year! This hectare will produce more than enough fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat for your family. You will even have a surplus to sell in the market or for storing. It is up to you or you can be generous and give some of the produce away to needy families in the … [Read more...]

Back in 2009 when my wife and I decided to retire to the Philippines, one of her main concerns about me was what I would do with my time! I assured her that I had time on my side and no need to be concerned with my getting bored in the Philippines, as that will never happen! Yet, I realized her concern was real. We know Americans who retired and passed away within a year of … [Read more...]

It was about 7:00 pm and very dark - the night was still; the stars were shinning above as I did a back roll into the water off the boat; still descending into the 12 meter deep, dark but crystal clear water; I turned on my flashlight and shone it into a rock crevasse - just in time to see a one meter eel take a small wriggling reef fish into it's mouth. The eel had a choice of … [Read more...]

Expatriates usually have a desire to know what's going on in the country they left behind. Whether you're an American living in Manila or a Pinoy residing in Los Angeles, I'm willing to bet you want to hear what's happening back home.
This happened with me back in 1998 when my wife and I traveled to Japan from the USA on a sister city exchange. Surrounded by a culture with … [Read more...]

One of my wife's best friend has been telling us for years about how beautiful Palawan is, with so many fabulous places to visit. Since my wife's friend now lives in Wales with her hubby and two children, she asked us to visit her island, take many photos and tell her about the trip! I had heard of the Underground River in Palawan but some of the other places on this majestic … [Read more...]

I discovered while still living in the USA in the late 1970s that Filipinos are excellent singers, dancers and performers! The house band of my favorite music club in Huntsville, Alabama was all Filipinos and I was blown away how they could sing and perform every single song as good, if not better, as the original singer and bands. Fast Forward to the years 2000-2009, when I … [Read more...]

Sports fans often just want to catch a game, no matter where they are. If if involves something you can bounce, pass, shoot, kick, throw or catch, there's a chance you'll find people who want to watch it from the stands or on TV. It's no different in The Philippines.
When most people think of Pinoy sports, Manny Pacquiao comes to mind first. Pacquiao is a world champion … [Read more...]

A great time for hitting the links in the Philippines is at dawn and it is a great way to begin the day! Golf is a very popular sport among both men and women in many areas of the Islands. Most expats and foreign tourists alike agree that the Philippines is not only an inexpensive location to play golf but many of the courses are excellent. Did you know that the oldest golf … [Read more...]

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